On Golf and Giving Thanks

It is that time of year again! For the next week, we will be treated to relentless philosophizing, sometimes, sermonizing, constant gormandizing and certain commercializing, all celebrating the true essence of our national holiday for the Fall, Thanksgiving. So, why not here? But, before you read any further, get your Scotch or Pinot. Make sure you have enough mixed nuts or pretzels. Get comfy and let's get started!

For all the golf that will be played this week, some with old friends, some obligingly with visiting family members, I invite you to give thanks. Whether on a quick, solitary round in dim light off the back-nine or a raucous mid-day round with all the kids and cousins in tow, give thanks. In rain, wind, brilliant sun or freezing cold, give thanks. If you drill the tee shot straight down the fairway or hook it into the trees, give thanks. No matter whether playing out of the sand, short grass or wet hazards, give thanks. If you shoot a 90+ or break par, give thanks.

And, especially, give thanks to all the grounds' crew, shop pros and cart and bag attendants that have taken their holiday to work the course.

Now, here's the trick...learn to incorporate "thankfulness" into your everyday, non-holiday, regular rounds of golf. The genuine experience of gratitude, thankfulness, appreciation, etc., produces an emotional mood of enthusiasm and calm. At the same time, our minds retain an ability to perceive new situations with more objectivity, imagination and clarity. In a typical round of golf, there are hours of moments that could provoke reactions, both mentally and emotionally. Adopt an attitude that will allow you to make the most of every situation.

This is where the Thanksgiving metaphor is most helpful. Be thankful for everything. Yes, I mean everything! An attitude of "thankfulness" will sometimes require us to really soften our reactions and stretch our patience. But, every effort we make to find something to appreciate, even in the seemingly worst situations, the better off we will be as human beings and as golfers. Things for which to be thankful on your next golf outing;

less stress/more enthusiasm

less tightness/more calm

less stubbornness/more imagination

less fatigue/more vitality.

A Thanksgiving Reminder: Attitude is a club in your bag, whether you are aware of it or not. Be careful, thoughtful and purposeful about the "attitude" you carry with you. This is one club you are always using, for better or for worse.

One inescapable blessing for me is that I have a choice, in how I think, how I feel and how I live. The great thing about golf is that we always have another chance, as long as we play. And, for that chance, I am grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!